Product photography for Raum Goods: men’s barefoot grounding shoes

As a travel and product photographer specializing in sustainable lifestyle brands, we regularly work with companies whose products align with a strong sense of purpose. My goal is always the same: to document products that are built with intention and made to move. One recent project brought me into contact with Raum Goods — a brand that creates minimalist, earth-conscious footwear designed for everyday exploration. I had the chance to photograph and field test the Men's Barefoot Mecca Shoe in Brown, and this review shares my firsthand impressions, both behind the lens and on the trail.

About the Brand

Raum Goods is a California-based company with a mission to reconnect individuals to nature through thoughtfully designed, all-natural footwear. Each pair is handcrafted in Southern Turkey by artisans with over five generations of shoemaking expertise. Notably, over 10% of these artisans are Syrian refugees, trained by expert Turkish cobblers, highlighting the brand's dedication to ethical labor practices .

Ethos and Sustainability

Raum Goods stands out in the footwear industry for its unwavering commitment to sustainability. The brand utilizes locally sourced materials within a 90-mile radius of their workshop, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with transportation. Their shoes are made from vegetable-tanned leather, avoiding the use of harmful chemicals and chrome in the tanning process. Additionally, Raum Goods is an official member of 1% For The Planet, donating a percentage of their annual sales to environmental nonprofits.

Fit and Comfort

The Men's Barefoot Mecca Shoe in Brown features a wide-toe box and a foot-shaped, zero-drop sole, promoting natural foot alignment. There’s no arch support, but that’s sort of the point.

The the full-grain leather upper, Gold Certified by the Leather Working Group, offers durability and a refined aesthetic. Inside, the shoe is lined with buttery soft, chrome-free vegetable-tanned leather and a real cork renewable and antimicrobial sicklier topsheet, ensuring a comfortable fit. The laces are 100% cotton, and the carbon infused conductive rubber outsole has optimal grounding benefits.

Raum notes that the shoes may feel snug initially, as they’re made from natural materials that mold to your feet over time. The Mecca comes only in full sizes, and Raum Goods recommends sizing up if you're between sizes to accommodate the break-in period. I followed this suggestion, and while they may appear too wide at first sight — primarily due to the spacious barefoot style — when tightened, they fit comfortably, and I appreciate the extra room in the toe-box. Especially living in a hot and humid tropical climate, I’m also glad for the venting holes on the inner sides of the shoe, allowing for airflow and breathability.

Grounded in style

The Mecca is distinguished by its grounding technology. The shoes feature carbon-infused conductive rubber outsoles, which are designed to connect with conductive silver thread in the footbed, facilitating grounding with the earth. This innovative design aims to enhance well-being by promoting a direct connection to the planet's natural energy.

Final Thoughts

Raum Goods' Men's Barefoot Mecca Shoe in Brown is a testament to the brand's dedication to combining style, comfort, and sustainability. I appreciate the shoe's design and the brand's ethos, making it a compelling choice for those seeking eco-conscious footwear without compromising on aesthetics.